These three new features — a webwide Like button, auto-Connect, and a persistent toolbar — make it abundantly clear that Facebook is looking to extend its reach to as much of the web as possible, and it won’t be an opt-in experience.

But the fact is that it is going to decrease in importance as the role of web content gets embedded into all manner of other applications, widgets, gadgets, mobile devices, cars, environments, ambient devices, surfaces, and clothing.

... Calgary-based MoboVivo, a software company that enables TV producers to distribute shows on mobile phones, laptops and Internet-connected TVs, says it is unveiling a new social platform designed to deepen audience engagement and interaction between fans.

.... countries around the globe are tonight switching off non-essential lights and appliances for sixty minutes, with highlights including Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Burj Khalifa, and the Empire State Building all going dark in the hope of helping the planet stay green.

Change is good. Change is at the core of the Universe. Change is what drives evolution. Change is what gets our "creative juices" flowing. Why then do we fear change? Quite simply change involves risk. One wrong turn and change can end you up in the 436.

Over the years LG15 Today has changed. If your average reader came to LG15 Today they would think they were reading "Web Series Today".

How did we get here?

In the beginning we were focused on the daily antics of a community that hung out on lonelygirl15.com. After the great TOS debate we saw our universe splinter into spin off international versions of lonelygirl15, community videos derivative of lonelygirl15 and independent web series such as Maddison Atkins, The Coalition, RedEarth88 etc. Over time writers and cast crew from lonelygirl15 came and then went their separate ways. This led us to watch a plethora of new shows such as "With the Angels", "Sorority Forever" "The Guild" etc. and also participate in a few ARGs. Even at that point we could still argue that we were a community that grew out of lonelygirl15, hung our together in various chat rooms and listened to BreeFM.

The more time passed and the more we wrote about and posted web series the more we have become integrated with the larger web series community. As we watched Pink, Ozgirl, Compulsions, Riese and many others we saw web series and ARG creators begin to leave comments on the blog. In return the blog was able to post stories about new web series, ARGs and expand to shows like the Web Files.

The result? Well one can make a compelling argument that the blog has become a key "social hub" for web series. It is probably time for us to accept that role and change the design of the site accordingly. Why? Well the argument that has been made numerous times is that when a new reader comes to the site they are often confused because the design does not reflect "Web Series Today". By changing the design we can not only change that perception but we can attract new authors who are motivated by the potential of the genre. The goal is to build on what we have already achieved and move the blog forward by reaching out to the web series community as a whole.

It is true that to a large degree web series have been marginalized by the arrival of Hulu, but still many believe there is untapped potential in the genre and when the next great web series appears we want to be there. As a collaborative blog we are in a great position to explore the universe of web series. We started as a community of creatives who wanted to participate in this new medium. We are audience, participants and creators and that gives us a unique perspective on the genre. The future is always uncertain but what is inevitable is change.

Today, eGuiders, the website that helps viewers find the best that online video has to offer, announced that it was opening its own studio to create live original programming. The studio will launch with an initial slate of three programs, which utilize eGuiders roster of new media experts. The series include eGuiders TV, The B Side, and The Untitled Series.

The first program scheduled to air, eGuiders TV is a weekly series that covers the latest trending videos with commentary from some of eGuiders prominent members which include, among others, Tim Street, Gennifer Snowfield, and Hayden Black. The B Side hosted by Michael Whitmore, head of collectible 45's for Amoeba Records, is a weekly music show dedicated to rare and lost recordings from all genres of music. Lastly, The Untitled Series is a variety show featuring musical performances, short videos, and interviews that is scheduled to air sporadically at unspecified times.

Mark Ostrick founded eGuiders in February, 2009 as a way to cut through the clutter of new media and help viewers find the best in online video. The site functions much like the recommended section of the local video store, accept the recommendations come from some of the leading experts in new media and online video. The new venture, eGuiders Studio is an extension of that goal. Ostrick states, “By creating TV quality live programming that focuses on the convergence of media, technology and the arts, eGuiders is committed to deepening the connection with our community of video enthusiasts.”

The Studio has teamed with several technology companies in order to produce its live video. BitGravity is the primary live streaming partner providing high quality HD streaming; however, Livestream will also feature eGuiders content on its site as-well-as provide a Livepack to stream live from alternative locations and events. Livepack is a portable system that allows a producer to have a ‘satellite truck in a backpack’. Telestream is providing the webcasting software for the in-studio production.

Live streaming video is a growing area within the web TV space; however, it has not been without its hurdles. Recently, theStream announced that it was shutting down indefinitely while it explored funding options to offset production costs. Nevertheless, it still maintains a loyal audience that patiently awaits its return. Interactivity has always been on of the hallmarks of web TV, streaming video only strengthens that connection.

The Lawebfestival is a three day event dedicated solely to online video. In addition to screening 48 different webseries, there will also be workshops and panel discussions on a range of topics. Many of the shows scheduled for screening have received little to no previous media attention and might quite possibly contain a hidden gem or two. Also, one of the goals of the festival organizers is to highlight and celebrate webseries created by or geared at a minority audience.

The festival kicks of Friday night with a tribute to Richard Roundtree’s series, Diary of a Single Mom, followed by the traditional question and answer period with the cast and crew and an after party at Locals Sports Bar, because nothing says web TV, like moderately priced liquor.

On Saturday, Glenn Rubenstein, former lonelygirl15 writer and Red Earth 88 creator, will take part in two panel discussions. Also, Red Earth 88 star Sara Fletcher is scheduled to take part in a couple of the discussions. Secrets of Creating Successful Content, the most intriguing panel, takes place Saturday at 1PM and features the Fine Brothers, Rubenstein, an executive from Freemantle and is moderated by Sara Fletcher.

Lawebfest is not the first event to recognize webseries, nor will it be the last. As webseries become more popular, and more mainstream, expect more of these types of festivals to pop up. Festivals are a good way for webseries to gain recognition and exposure. The fact that many of the series scheduled for screening have received very little previous attention, indicates that there is a need for several different diverse streams by which audiences can discovery webseries.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

This week’s edition of The Web.Files: Buzz features two segments. Part one is an interview with actor and producer, Jaleel White, and director/producer Todd Pellegrino on the set of their new webseries Fake it Till You Make it. The second segment features a quick interview with composer Rob Gokee, author of the new book In the Belly of the Fail Whale. Also, either Krystin was coming down with a cold during the shoot or she decided to drop a little sultry into the opening, either way the effect is the same, it’s pretty hot.

Fake it Till You Make it is about a group of friends trying to make it in LA, and not doing very well. The series stars Jaleel White, the show’s creator, as former child star, Reggie Culkin, trying to make his big comeback while working every other possible job except acting. He recently authored an article chronicling his behind the scenes experiences. Rob Gokee has composed music for several webseries and his new book, In the Belly of the Fail Whale chronicles his first year on Twitter and how it changed his life both personally and professionally.

Update: I can't believe I've never mentioned this before now, but each week following the latest episode of The Web.Files, Kristyn Burtt posts behind the scenes photos and comments about that week's episode on her blog, Red Carpet Closet. This week's article is worth a look, and I'm not saying that just because she mentioned me, she's actually mentioned me several times.

LG15: Outbreak is over and we want to know what you thought. What did you think of the series? What did you think of the 12in12? What about the plot? The characters? The interactivity? What worked and what, well, not so much? What would you like to see more of, or what would you have done different? Share your thoughts in the live blog post below.

Coverage that is particularly useful being video lighting, audio quality, and proper editing. A lot of this stuff can be done for under $50, assuming you already have a decent camcorder. So get out there and make some great videos!

More here- "Increasingly websites such as bebo are experimenting by carrying television programmes..."Includes Joanna Shields, Chief Exec bebokate modern - "A drama playing out in a social experience"Peter Bazalgette, Wayne Garvie, Ben Silverman, John McVayAnd me (on screen for about 4 seconds)

Crystal, don't worry. I just watched the video, and I know you were seperated from Will. Just follow my instructions, and I'll get you out of there. I just sent you a map that shows the layout of the first 4 floors of the building. If you can get to any one of those levels, follow the evacuation plans listed, and you should be able to find yourself on the skywalk.

"I wanted to let you all know that Earth Hour Day is coming up on March 27th. What this entails is you turning off your lights for one hour on the 27th, starting at 8:30pm. By doing this, you are participating in a huge movement that includes hundreds of millions of people."

Alright, I'll be honest...I hated him. He was one of the most overly-egotistical, rude, heartless jerks that I had ever met. I hated being around him, and I'm pretty sure that I made my feelings clear to him.

Crystal and Will, I can help you get into shentek, but you need to follow my instructions exactly. In order to get inside, you need to knock out the power to the building. Check your email. I'm sending you instructions on how to do so. Don't forget to look for Mason. I don't know where he is exactly, but I know he is somewhere in the building. Good luck! 3 Emma

A relatively new and increasingly popular concept called transmedia storytelling, which at its most basic and fundamental means telling stories across a variety of kinds of media and letting people interact in the ways that are most comfortable to them.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

From insideLG15:"We just made a few tweaks to LG15.com to fix some CSS that broke when we updated all EQAL sites, and also made some other fixes. Finally had some time now that the Real Women of Philadelphia is launched.-Updated LGpedia and KateModern with new background and header-Fixed link to “Inside” in LG15 header-Fixed link color in LGPedia-Darkened KateModern blockquote text to fix usability-Updated LG15.com/chat and inside.lg15.com with new background and header-Changed link colors in footers to fix usability-Other small CSS fixes to fix usabilityThanks and enjoy the LG15: Outbreak 12 in 12 tomorrow!"

To some of you girls out there picking up that camera and making a video might sound a bit intimidating. But I want to assure you that it is much easier than it seems. There are so many easy-to-use video cameras out there and most of our phones or computers come with cameras. Since I dont want fear or intimidation to hold anyone back from this opportunity of a lifetime, I wanted to give you some tips on shooting your videos. This video will teach you how to frame your video so you look your best. What should my shot look like? Should I use close-ups? What if I need to shoot the video by myself, how do I do that? All these questions and more will be answered.

The Best Friend web series explores what it would look like to watch a romantic comedy through the POV of the best friend character rather than the ingenue.

The pilot episode introduces Millie and all of her neuroses. While her best friend Sooze is MIA because of a new love, Millie makes what she feels is a life altering discovery about their relationship.

"Instead of continuing to support the experimental feature, YouTube is instead throwing its weight behind other projects that could help increase engagement and viewing among its users, like Auto-Share."

"What caught my eye in the press release was the fact that the venue had changed from the Music Box Theatre to The Orpheum downtown and of course, it was buried way down in the fine print at the bottom of the page. "

"Generate announced today that it inked a deal with Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm plc, to distribute internationally last year’s inaugural Streamy for Best Director for a Dramatic Web Series winner, PINK."

"Via email, Goodfried says that working with Deen, as well as helping to create Alicia Silverstone’s community The Kind Life, has been “fantastic.” “Traffic on sites are increasing month over month and both properties are profitable financially for us,” he said. "

This Wednesday, the second installment of LonelyGirl15's "The Show Is Yours" will come to a close. Over the course of twelve hours, "LG15: Outbreak" will end its run, and conclude in an exciting and interactive experience. Each hour, a new video will be released, bringing with it much-awaited answers, surprises, twists, and turns.

"UPDATE: Merton has reposted the video to his YouTube account, saying in the description: “This is a new, edited version of the original Video #1. I had to make some changes in order for YouTube to be happy with it.” The issue appears to have had something to do with Merton not getting approval to use the images of those he chatted with..."

"Welcome the site everyone! This is going to be an awesome journey and we are so excited to have all of you here. My name is Greg and I'm one of the producers of the site. I'll be here on the comment boards and hanging around the forum if you have any questions. We also have a fantastic coummunity moderator named Jason Matthews and you can ask him any questions if you need help. I'll be reviewing all questions in the forum under the "How to Submit" thread and the "Feedback" thread. Thanks and enjoy the show!!!"

Sunday, March 21, 2010

With the slogan “There’s Magick in our numbers!” Goldman and Dawn practice an unusual kind of accountancy, and, according to the website, will soon offer free web seminars. The first seminar will be on “Strategic Thelemic Accounting.

The screenings, workshops and panels schedule are now posted on the LAWEBFEST website.http://www.lawebfest.com/

There is a panel on how to monetise you web series and another for how to market your series. There is a panel that discusses "Tales from those who have made the coveted crossover". which includes Quarterlife. There is also a "Writing for the Web" panel featuring Glenn Rubenstein (LG15/REDEARTH88 writer) and "Acting on the Web" panel featuring Sara Fletcher.

BreeFM's Last Dance brought back lots of familiar faces and a good time was had by all. I would like to thank everyone who stopped by for our last hoorah, the DJs who have made the event a fun one for all and to the chatters and listeners for sharing in the experience.

Also I would like to thank Ops, DJs and chatters past and present who made BreeFM a memorable place in LG15 history since 2007. Without you BreeFM would never have gotten off the ground and you have made this experience one I will always treasure.

BreeFM signed off for the final time at 2:48am Pacific time.

The last song played was the first one played when BreeFM signed on the netwaves back in 2007.